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Seabeck went to Harold Hill Grammar School (became Upper Bedfords Park School in 1973 then closed down) on Appleby Drive in Harold Hill in London. She studied at the North East London Polytechnic (now the University of East London) in Stratford. Seabeck was a member of the MSF (now Amicus), and whilst working at the House of Commons became the secretary of the South Thames Community Branch. She is also a member of the feminist Fawcett Society and the Labour Women's Network.[1]

Seabeck was picked for the Plymouth Devonport seat from an all-women shortlist.[2] As a candidate in 2005, Seabeck was asked by the local paper: "What is a Janner?" The flustered candidate reportedly replied: "I don't know. You're not going to print this, are you?"

On 11 October 2010, Seabeck was appointed Shadow Housing Minister,[4] working with Caroline Flint, the then shadow secretary for Communities and Local Government. On 7 October 2011, she was appointed Shadow Defence Minister[4] during Ed Miliband's reshuffle.

She married her former husband Denis in 1975 and they have two daughters.[1] She is the wife of Nick Raynsford MP, for whom she worked as researcher before entering Parliament. Her father was the former Labour MP for Peterborough, Michael Ward.[8]